EP4002018B1 - Smart watch winder for automatic watch with watch identification - Google Patents

Description

Scope of the invention

The invention relates to a winding device for an automatic watch with a mobile oscillating weight, comprising at least one watch holder arranged to hold an automatic watch, and comprising control means arranged to control motorization means for driving said at least one watch holder to wind said watch, said device comprising measuring means, interfaced with said control means, and which are arranged to measure the amplitude of the resonator of a watch as a function of the winding performed by said motorization means.

The invention relates to the field of intelligent devices, such as intelligent watch winders, for maintaining watches in immediate working condition, displaying the correct time, and with a sufficient power reserve for wear of a few hours, while avoiding premature wear of the watch by incessant and unnecessary winding.

Background of the invention

Most watch winders on the market contain virtually no intelligent functions and have little reason to recognize the watch placed on them.

In recent intelligent winders, and in particular those described in the documents EP2650735 , EP3163381 , EP3339984 , EP3572887 , EP3719589 , EP3835889 On behalf of THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd, the winding of automatic watches is stopped at the latest when the watch is fully wound, or even slightly before, to prevent wear on the mainspring drum due to friction from the sliding flange. These devices are subject to continuous improvement.

The document EP 3 096 191 A1 It describes a smart winding device on which an automatic watch with an oscillating weight can be placed, notably for recharging. This device also includes an RFID chip reader, which is carried by each watch and contains a unique code, and the ability to memorize Data specific to the watch. Data exchange between the watch and the watch can be carried out using the unique code linked to the data.

In particular, one of the developments concerns an intelligent winder, based on limiting the unnecessary winding of automatic watches, and whose main purpose is to limit the recharging of the watch's automatic barrel to the bare minimum, to avoid any premature wear of the watch, resulting from excessive winding.

This family of intelligent winders measures the frequency of the balance wheel and hairspring, as well as the winding state of the mainspring barrel, so as to wind the watch only the necessary amount to avoid premature wear of the mechanical movement.

The winding state of the mainspring barrel is measured indirectly via a measurement of the balance wheel's amplitude. This amplitude measurement is not absolute, but relative: the main objective is to determine whether winding the watch actually rewinds it or not, whether the watch is fully wound or not.

To determine if a watch is fully wound, the amplitude of the balance wheel and hairspring is advantageously measured using an acoustic method of the escapement noises, performed with a proximity or contact microphone. These noises allow for an estimation of the balance wheel and hairspring amplitude, which itself reflects the winding of the mainspring barrel. However, achieving a precise and reliable amplitude measurement at a reasonable cost and with low energy consumption remains difficult due to background noise. Furthermore, for optimal accuracy, this method requires contact with the watch being measured, or at least the placement of an airborne microphone very close to the watch's resonator in a quiet environment.

The difficulty lies in obtaining a correct value for the amplitude of the balance wheel and hairspring regardless of the watch and regardless of the type of escapement (Swiss lever, coaxial or other).

This problem is difficult to solve in a perfectly satisfactory way. A good practical solution is to measure the change in amplitude rather than its absolute value. When the watch is fully wound, the amplitude stops increasing. The winding mechanism then limits the amplitude to a certain fraction of the maximum measured amplitude (for example, 80%). This method requires waiting for the amplitude to stabilize at a relatively high value, which is difficult to detect because the amplitude measurement is very noisy. This waiting time This process can be lengthy, and the winding mechanism can wind the barrel to the point where the flange slips, causing wear. A good method is to equip the winding mechanism with acoustic devices designed to identify a reference clicking noise between the barrel's sliding flange and its surface. It is also advantageous to equip the winding mechanism with measuring devices designed to measure the variation in the resisting torque opposing its drive mechanism. These various arrangements allow for precise control over monitoring the amplitude variation.

The fact that the absolute value of the amplitude is not known makes a useful function impossible: that of indicating to the Customer that his watch has a low absolute amplitude, therefore that it shows wear and would need to be returned to after-sales service or to the factory.

In summary, for a particular watch, it is useful to be able to determine its nominal amplitude, either by reference to measurements taken when the watch was new, or by reference to factory or public databases.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to develop methods for recognizing a watch placed on a smart winder, in order to optimize its operation, by accessing, through the identification of a particular watch, its own history or a database determining its nominal amplitude.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a winding device for an automatic watch with a mobile oscillating weight, according to claim 1.

The invention relates to the field of intelligent watch winders, for maintaining watches in immediate working order, displaying the correct time, and with a sufficient power reserve for wearing for a few hours, or for accelerated winding of a watch, while respecting the integrity of the watch and its preservation in terms of wear.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et partielle, aucun carénage n'étant représenté, un dispositif de remontoir selon l'invention, pour une montre automatique à masse oscillante mobile, fixée en appui sur un porte-montre motorisé ; ce dispositif comporte des moyens de pilotage, auxquels sont raccordés des moyens de motorisation pour l'entraînement de chaque porte-montre (un seul étant représenté sur cette figure), et pour le traitement des différents signaux vers et en provenance de moyens de mesure de l'amplitude du résonateur d'une montre, et de moyens d'identification de chaque montre, qui sont ici, dans une réalisation particulière non limitative, représentés embarqués sur le porte-montre comme les moyens de mesure ; ces moyens de pilotage comportent ici une base de données interne avec l'historique des mesures d'amplitude du résonateur de chaque montre particulière et/ou la valeur de son amplitude nominale, et aussi des moyens de communication communiquant avec une base de données externe, telle qu'une base de données constructeur ou similaire, et ils comportent encore des moyens d'interface et d'affichage au profit de l'utilisateur ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, un détail de la figure 1, un exemple d'implantation des différents moyens d'acquisition dans le porte-montre, sous le fond de la montre, et agencés pour coopérer avec la montre ou avec son bracelet.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, with reference to the attached drawings, where:

• there figure 1 represents, schematically and partially, with no fairing shown, a winding device according to the invention, for a watch automatic with mobile oscillating weight, fixed in support on a motorized watch holder; this device includes control means, to which are connected motorization means for driving each watch holder (only one being shown in this figure), and for processing the various signals to and from means for measuring the amplitude of the resonator of a watch, and means for identifying each watch, which are here, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, shown mounted on the watch holder like the measuring means; these control means include here an internal database with the history of the amplitude measurements of the resonator of each particular watch and/or the value of its nominal amplitude, and also communication means communicating with an external database, such as a manufacturer's database or similar, and they also include interface and display means for the benefit of the user;
• there figure 2 represents, in schematic form, a detail of the figure 1 , an example of the placement of the different acquisition methods in the watch holder, under the back of the watch, and arranged to cooperate with the watch or with its strap.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The invention relates to a winding device 1000 for an automatic watch 100 with a mobile oscillating weight, comprising at least one watch holder 1 arranged to carry at least one such automatic watch 100, and comprising control means 200, which are arranged to control motorization means 2 for driving at least one watch holder 1 to proceed with the winding of a watch 100.

This device 1000 includes measuring means 3, which are interfaced with the control means 200, and which are arranged to measure the amplitude of the resonator of a watch 100 as a function of the winding carried out by the motorization means 2.

According to the invention, the winding device 1000 includes means for identifying a watch 100 300, which are arranged to provide the control means 200 with the identification of a particular watch 100.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, which is not exhaustive, both the measuring means 3 and the identification means 300 are shown mounted on the watch holder 1. But naturally, all or part of these different acquisition means can take place outside of a watch holder 1, and in particular in a casing containing the winding device 1000 according to the invention.

• une base de données interne 400 avec l'historique des mesures d'amplitude du résonateur de la montre 100 particulière et/ou la valeur de son amplitude nominale; pour déterminer l'amplitude nominale de la montre 100 ou bien la plus ancienne valeur d'amplitude maximale de l'historique de la montre 100 si l'amplitude nominale est inconnue.

And the 200 control systems include:

• an internal database 400 with the history of amplitude measurements of the resonator of the particular watch 100 and/or the value of its nominal amplitude; to determine the nominal amplitude of the watch 100 or the oldest maximum amplitude value in the history of the watch 100 if the nominal amplitude is unknown.

More specifically, the control means 200 are arranged to compare, on the one hand, the maximum amplitude measured by the measuring means 3, and on the other hand, the nominal amplitude or the oldest value of maximum amplitude in the history of the watch 100 if the nominal amplitude is unknown, in order to determine the wear of the watch 100.

Several variations are described below, which can be combined. In these variations, the aim is to identify watch 100 placed on the winder, in order to consult a local database or a remote server, so that abnormal operation can be recognized and the need for after-sales service can be determined.

In a first variant, the identification means 300 comprise optical means 310, which are combined with shape recognition means 320, which are arranged to decipher a marking 321 of the watch 100 or of a bracelet 110 which has the watch 100, and/or to capture the outline in planar projection of the watch 100. These optical means 310 and these shape recognition means 320 are interfaced with the internal database 400, to extract from it the nominal amplitude of the resonator of the watch 100 corresponding to the marking 321 and/or the outline in planar projection.

More specifically, at least one watch holder 1 comprises a transparent support 102, on which the case back 101 of the watch 100 rests, and beneath which the optical means 310 comprise at least one camera 311, which is arranged to capture the image of the marking 321 of the watch 100 or the bracelet 110, and/or the outline in planar projection of the watch 100.

More particularly, the optical means 310 are arranged to follow the oscillating mass 10 of a watch 100 having a transparent case back 101, and such a camera 311 is usable to follow the movement of the oscillating mass 10, to determine the angular position of this oscillating mass 10 between a blind angle corresponding to the unarmed state of the watch 100 and a limiting arming angle corresponding to the fully armed state of the watch 100, and the optical means 310 are arranged to send a stop signal to the motorization means 2 when this limiting arming angle is reached.

To implement this first variant with visualization, it is possible to develop an application on a personal communication device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or similar device, to use the built-in camera to learn certain characteristics specific to a 100-watch. It is not essential to identify the exact model, but rather to recognize it each time it is measured. Then, simply observe the evolution of the amplitude measurement associated with this 100-watch over the years.

When the winding device 1000 includes at least one camera 311, this identification does not require a personal communication device and can be carried out directly on the winder.

Equipment with pattern recognition means 320, arranged to decipher a marking 321 of the watch 100 or of its bracelet 110, remains preferable for distinguishing two watches of the same model within a stock, or a collection, without user intervention.

In a second variant, the identification means 300 include acoustic means 330, which are combined with signal processing means 340 arranged to capture the acoustic signature of the watch 100. These acoustic means 330 and signal processing means 340 are interfaced with the internal database 400 to extract the nominal amplitude of the watch 100's resonator corresponding to the acoustic signature. Each watch has a unique acoustic signature. However, high sensitivity of the acoustic means 330 and signal processing means 340 is necessary to accurately distinguish two watches of the same model. It should be noted that the The positioning of watch 100 on watch holder 1 also influences the acoustic signature. This method has the advantage of requiring no additional components and is completely transparent to the user.

In a third variant, the identification means 300 include near-field communication means 350, which are arranged to cooperate with complementary near-field communication means 360 to identify the watch 100. This near-field communication, also called NFC (near-field communication), can, in particular, and easily implement various self-adhesive NFC tags, supplied with the watch winder and/or the watches. The user simply applies such a sticker, or a similar one, to each watch 100, for example, on the back or on the strap 110. In a particular embodiment, such an NFC tag can be factory-installed, glued, inserted, crimped, pad-printed, or otherwise, and directly protected by a protective element such as varnish, glass, or something similar, which does not interfere with the user's skin. The watch winder then includes an NFC antenna, which allows the tag to be identified and associated with a watch 100. This method is both very simple and very reliable. This third variant can easily be implemented at the level of the 110 bracelet of the 100 watch, instead of the 100 watch itself.

In a fourth variant, the identification means 300 and/or the control means 200 include means of communication with the user 370, for the user to identify the watch 100. User input of identification data is a pragmatic solution: the winder can simply ask the user, via a screen, keyboard, control panel, or personal communication device, to identify the measured watch 100 themselves. The user can use any input system, such as a keyboard, numeric keypad, touchscreen, or even speech.

In a fifth variant, the identification means 300 include mass determination means 380 for determining the mass of the watch 100, for example, including a strain gauge mounted on the watch holder 1 to differentiate watches from a collection, of different models, or at least having different straps 110 for watches of the same model. This fifth variant can be implemented at the level of the strap 110 of the watch 100, instead of the watch 100 itself.

In a sixth variant, the identification means 300 include means for evaluating the quantity of metal 385, to evaluate the quantity of metal present on the watch holder 1, for example an analog metal detector mounted on the watch holder 1, which could differentiate watches, or more particularly watches equipped with their strap 110, by measuring the quantity of metal in front of it.

In a seventh variant, the identification means 300 include field measurement means 390, which are arranged to measure the intensity and/or orientation of a field generated by a field generator 391, housed in the watch 100 or preferably in the bracelet 110. This field can be a permanent electrostatic field, generated by electrets embedded in the bracelet 110, and/or a permanent magnetic field, generated by at least one magnet housed in the bracelet 110; the dimensions, magnetization, and orientation of each magnet can be different from one bracelet to another for the same model of watch, which makes it easy to differentiate between two watches of the same model equipped with bracelets of the same shape.

The identification means 300 are advantageously arranged to determine the presence or absence of a watch 100 on at least one watch holder 1, and more particularly on each watch holder 1.

More specifically, the internal database 400 includes the nominal amplitude of the resonator of watch 100, and/or the maximum number of winding turns recommended for watch 100.

Advantageously, the winding device 1000 further includes display means 700, arranged to display for the benefit of the user or the public information relating to at least one watch 100 that he wears, and, more particularly, to each watch that he wears, such as the model of the watch, the date, the rate evaluation, the winding rate, or other.

The primary purpose of recognizing the 100 watches placed on the winder is to solve the problem of identifying signs of aging, and other functionalities also prove useful. For example, in a classic winder (without amplitude measurement), one can initially program the maximum number of winding turns for each watch in a collection or stock, and then subsequently recognize each watch using one of the methods described above. This helps limit wear on watches requiring few winding turns, while preventing the Large watches do not stop in the long term. A useful precaution is to record, upon entry of each watch into a collection or stock, the number of winding turns observed, and, when advantageously available, to record at the same time the maximum amplitude measured.

Claims (13)

1. A winding device (1000) for an automatic watch (100) with a movable oscillating mass (10), including at least one watch holder (1) arranged to carry at least one said automatic watch (100), and including control means (200) arranged to control motorisation means (2) for driving said at least one watch holder (1) for winding a said watch (100), said device (1000) including measuring means (3), interfaced with said control means (200), and which are arranged to measure the amplitude of the resonator of a watch (100) based on the coiling performed by said motorisation means (2), said winding device (1000) including means (300) for identifying a said watch (100), which are arranged to provide said control means (200) with the identification of a particular watch (100), characterised in that said control means (200) include an internal database (400) with the history of the amplitude measurements of the resonator of said particular watch (100), to determine the oldest maximum amplitude value in the history of said watch (100).
2. The winding device (1000) according to claim 1, characterised in that said control means (200) are arranged to compare, on the one hand the maximum amplitude measured by said measuring means (3), and on the other hand the oldest maximum amplitude value in the history of said watch (100), to determine the wear of said watch (100).
3. The winding device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said identification means (300) include optical means (310), combined with shape recognition means (320) arranged to decipher a marking (321) of said watch (100) or of a bracelet (110) included in said watch (100), and/or to capture the contour in planar projection of said watch (100), said optical means (310) and said shape recognition means (320) being interfaced with said internal database (400).
4. The winding device (1000) according to claim 3, characterised in that said at least one said watch holder (1) includes a transparent support (102) on which bears the back (101) of said watch (100), and under which said optical means (310) include at least one camera (311) arranged to capture the image of the marking (321) of said watch (100) or of a bracelet (110) included in said watch (100), and/or the contour in planar projection of said watch (100).
5. The winding device (1000) according to claim 4, characterised in that said optical means (310) are arranged to follow the oscillating mass (10) of a said watch (100) carrying a transparent back (101), and to determine the angular position of said oscillating mass (10) between a dead angle corresponding to the uncoiled state of said watch (100) and a limit coiling angle corresponding to the fully coiled state of said watch (100), and in that said optical means (310) are arranged to send a stop signal to said motorisation means (2) when said limit coiling angle is reached.
6. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that said identification means (300) include acoustic means (330) combined with signal processing means (340) arranged to record the acoustic signature of said watch (100), said acoustic means (330) and said signal processing means (340) being interfaced with said internal database (400).
7. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said identification means (300) include near-field communication means (350) arranged to cooperate with complementary near-field communication means (360) to identify said watch (100).
8. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said identification means (300) and/or said control means (200) include means for communication with the user (370) for the identification of said watch (100) by the user.
9. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said identification means (300) and/or said control means (200) include field measuring means (390), which are arranged to measure the intensity and/or the orientation of a field generated by a field generator (391), housed in a said watch (100) or in a bracelet (110) included in a said watch (100), which field is a permanent electrostatic field, generated by electrets, or a permanent magnetic field, generated by at least one magnet housed in a said bracelet (110).
10. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said identification means (300) include means for determining the mass (380) arranged for determining the mass of said watch (100).
11. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that said identification means (300) include means for evaluating the amount of metal (385), arranged to evaluate the amount of metal present on said watch holder (1).
12. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that said identification means (300) are arranged to determine the presence or absence of a watch (100) on at least one said watch holder (1).
13. The winding device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said internal database (400) includes the nominal amplitude of the resonator of said watch (100), and/or the maximum number of coiling turns recommended for said watch (100).